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Friday, 31 January 2014

Say what you want about T-Boz but that woman can still get doooown! Sickle cell is no joke but you would never have guessed she suffered from it. Secondly, both her and Chilli perform just as well as they did when they first hit the scene. The energy really was a breath of fresh air.

I mean, this underwhelming song is simply not good enough to carry itself. But if kissing and touching each other on a lounge chair while dressed all scantily clad is what needs to be done to save this song, so bloody be it.

Thursday, 30 January 2014

It's been argued that entry requirements to perform at the Super Bowl have been downgraded just so that newer artists can perform there. Who knows? Miley Cyrus could very well get next years slot. In the past an artist had to at least have 10 years in the industry to become eligible. Not to compare Bruno with Miley of course because Bruno is super talented and it should be a crime to put them together in the same sentence.

However, his longevity in the industry has yet to be determined, so I was quite happy that he was forced to address it.

Um... why are her feet so damn orange?!?! It takes me back to the embarrassing moment when she performed at Etta James funeral and the spray tan started dripping down her leg. I see she hasn't toned it down one bit so it's just as well she decided to wear pants this time. Otherwise I was going to say she looked nice. The outfit is cute, the warmer hair colour is a nice change from the platinum blonde and even the make-up looks good, which for her, is a rarity. She's wearing her weight loss really wonderfully as well.

The event was held to support the fight against lung cancer, so she performed her smash hit 'Beautiful' for a good cause.

During her visit to Nick Grimshaw’s Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Rita Ora previewed her new single 'I Will Never Let You Down', which she sang live on air. I suppose we will hear it in full before she performs at this year’s Radio 1 Big Weekend in Glasgow this coming May. The cut was produced by her boyfriend Calvin Harris, the mastermind behind Rihanna's monster hit 'We Found Love'.

There's a big difference already as Calvin just tweeted that the song is "not EDM". That actually might be a first because everything else Calvin has touched in the past has been soulless and bland.

The recurring theme in the Gomillion & Leupold-directed clip is that she is still real, despite her wealth and success. J.Lo said it loud enough already but she probably felt the message didn't come across as clear because of the flaunting of her relationship. You know, the one with the hotshot Hollywood boyfriend? Looking back now, the message did kind of get stifled, whereas this video is much more authentic. She's hanging out with HER people in her childhood block. In this clip, she rides the 6 train and revisits Castle Hill, her old neighbourhood in the Bronx.

Yesterday's MAC Cosmetics Launch of Rihanna's new 'Viva Glam Rihanna' line came to NYC!

At the event, held at the MAC Store Soho, Rihanna told news outlets how her mama had so much makeup when she was a little girl, mostly red lipstick. When she put on makeup for the first time at 16 years old, it was so much fun for her. Fast forward to 10 years later and she's in a philanthropic partnership with MAC. All proceeds from Viva Glam will go to the Mac AIDS Fund. Though she still has her hang-ups about the way she looks. "I do pick on my body," she says. "It's a thing that women do. We walk in front of the mirror and we look at our butt. Is it getting bigger today? Ew. It's still flat."

Hard to believe considering she has one of the hottest bodies in showbiz. The kind of body some of us would kill to have, pancake butt or not. Even then I'd say she has a nice little ass because it's pert and well toned. Peep more pics inside.

Wednesday, 29 January 2014

In less than 24 hours, every straight man's fantasy is set to become reality...

I can't say whether we will get a full on lesbian romp between the sexy Shakira and Rihanna but the Joseph Kahn-directed visuals for 'Can’t Remember To Forget You' looks like sizzling stuff! Smoking cigars is such an unattractive trait on a woman but even those two manage to make it look hot somehow. Married women everywhere may be calling for this video to be illegal when it finally premieres tomorrow on VEVO. Check out another pic from the set below!

Is there ANYTHING this chick can't pull off?!?!? This was sophisticated Rihanna in business mode. Business woman Rihanna. Conservatively classy. Paired with Manolo Blahnik pumps, the 25-year-old certainly came dressed for the part. Her promotional visit saw her chat with Robin Roberts about her Grammy win, her philanthropic partnership with MAC Cosmetics and of course new music. Rihanna won Best Urban Contemporary Album for 'Unapologetic' and reassures the Navy that they never have to worry about her not recording new music because that is what she loves to do.

Rihanna also hopes to raise $40 million while promoting safe sex amongst young people. All proceeds go to the MAC Aids Fund.

An underselling album doesn't mean a successful tour can't come from the back of it. I mean, it's largely known that Lady Gaga puts all of her blood, sweat and tears into her shows so that fans can get the best concert experience possible. Today, she has announced dates for the European leg of her 'artRave: The ARTPOP Ball' tour! The UK leg kicks off on October 15th in Birmingham, before arriving
in Glasgow on October 19th.

There’s also a night in Manchester on October
21st and it culminates in London at The O2 on October 23rd. Check out the dates here along with her brand new O2 Priority commercial.

Tuesday, 28 January 2014

Why did I expect to see jerk chicken and ice cream on this cover? I guess that's a good thing, because I get fat looking at food and my fingers start to twitch. The salivating tracklist almost reads like a menu at a restaurant but fortunately, it doesn't have quite the same impact. Am I hungry to hear this album? Hell yeah. Who isn't? Kelis looks pretty on the artwork but I'm not quite grasping the concept of it. Fans can get their hands on 'Food' when the record drops in stores on April 22nd.

That last album really didn't happen did it? Or at least Ciara's trying to act like it didn't. What happened to the days when an album era lasted about a year or two? Anyway, her newly debuted ballad 'Anytime' serves as a personal and sweet collaboration with her fiancé Future (his vocals can even be heard in the background). The track is slated to appear on her upcoming new album which will be out later this year. From this song, it's pretty evident she's currently in a happy place in her life, and I can tell it's a good song despite its live shortcomings. Those pregnant vocals were hoarse and a bit pitchy.

However, I totally enjoyed the violins and the band. On record, it would probably sound stunning and I'm actually appreciating the mature and sensual direction she's taking with her music.

Monday, 27 January 2014

I wasn't wowed by the looks on last night's red carpet. I loved Ciara's look the most but the one person that truly bowled me over isn't even someone I write about. Amber Rose gets my vote either way. Rita Ora on the other hand, never seems to get it right. It's a shame because her face looks nice and the clown make-up took a backseat. In an interview at the Roc Nation Brunch, Rita has said that her new movie 'Fifty Shades of Grey' will be a surprise and that her second album (which is now complete) will be out in the next couple of months.Check out all the red carpet looks inside. Who had your vote?

So, I'm probably going to get some flack for saying this but it has to be said. Beyoncé did not bring the heat with her 'Drunk In Love' performance tonight. She was perched on a chair with wet hair for the majority of the performance, half of which was lip-synced anyway. She did no hard choreography except for some stripper moves and she used a pre-recorded backing track. I thought Grammys had a strict policy about artists delivering live vocals on stage. I assume they were willing to make the exception all because they wanted Bey to open the show so badly (for ratings of course). Then Jay Z comes out and their chemistry was just awkward. I'm starting to think they must have boring sex in their down time.

Let's be honest here. If Rihanna gave this type of performance she'd have been panned. Actually, I've seen her get criticism for putting out a much better performance. Yet, people want to give this a pass all because it's "Queen Beyoncé"? Finally, I don't even know why she wears the ear piece. She always yanks it out mid-performance, every single time. For an opening number, this was a very weak and sloppy performance by her standards.

Sunday, 26 January 2014

The biggest pre-Grammy party of all is always the one hosted by Clive Davis. Last night, Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge was honoured at The Recording Academy’s annual Pre-Grammy Gala at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Jennifer Hudson, who is there each year without fail, showed up looking good. She has always been hit and miss with her look but I like the dress (toning up the arms a bit wouldn't hurt). See who else was at Clive's party below.

Yesterday, Cassie had a meet and greet at the 'Young & Reckless' showroom in Los Angeles for her collection debut. But that wasn't the only thing she debuted. The 27-year-old showed off her new blonde mane, which she's rocked several times in the past. I think Cassie has such a gorgeous face so she's kind of pulling it off in ways that would look horrific on somebody else. Of course dark hair looks the best on her, but this doesn't look tragic by any means. Anyway, her sugar daddy Diddy also made an appearance to support his girl.

Rihanna, who has been hard at work on her next studio album, took a break from those recording sessions to attend all the pre-Grammy festivities. It would be the biggest of snubs if she did not attend the Roc Nation/Viva Glam Pre-Grammy Brunch because Jay Z was there and pretty much everyone else signed under his wing. All the pre-Grammy action inside.

Backstage at Grammy's Westwood One Radio Remote and MasterCard Pre-Grammy party, Ashanti debuted a new blonde look. On site she revealed that her new album 'Braveheart' has been pushed back from February 18th to March 18th. Even so, this day will not be happening. Unless you're Beyoncé, then sadly, your album will be certified dust if there's no massive hit single to support it. This project smells like doom already.

Album number eight is officially underway. Rihanna was holed up all night in a Los Angeles recording studio with super producer Darkchild over the weekend. Sneezing on beats and making them sicker is what Rihanna has become renown for these days. I totally look forward to hearing the result of their sessions in the coming months. That's assuming his songs even make the cut.

Having been with Atlantic Records for 10 wholesome years, Trey Songz has signed his re-up contract with the label! It's true. He's inked a brand new deal with the label he considers family. The very label that took him in when he was just "a kid". Prepare to get a little teary eyed and watch the singer and his Atlantic family toasting to him signing a new contract which he hopes will see him through for another 10 years.

Saturday, 25 January 2014

The will.i.am-assisted 'It Should Be Easy' was uploaded to Britney’s official VEVO account last night, which serves as a strong indicator that this is the third single from 'Britney Jean'. Horrible song choice, but then, the album as a whole is really underwhelming (and that's just me being nice and putting it lightly). Would an alternative choice make any difference? Unfortunately, I don't think it would...

Putting aside their constipated facial expressions, this is actually a pretty cool cover from Little Mix. I just wish the same could be said for 'Word Up!' as it does absolutely nothing for me whatsoever.The official audio has just been made available to VEVO so press play below and give it some views. I mean, it IS for charity after all.

Model with a mic Cassie seems not to know where she stands with her music career, so it's just as well she has her looks to fall back on. Following in the footsteps of her
entrepreneur sugar daddy, Cassie collaborates with Young & Reckless to launch EN-WHY2EL-AYE, her own designed collection. Strategically, it is titled to sound like NY to LA.Check out the entire photoshoot inside.

Here's the first promo image for 3T's upcoming stint on ITV's 'The Big Reunion'. This season will be interesting as I get to relive my childhood. Some of these groups did not hit their peak until the mid 90s when I was in high school. They pretty much look how I expect them to look. TJ (who hasn't changed one bit) seems to be the only one who stayed in shape but then his wife IS a certified personal trainer. Taj and Taryll on the other hand? Not so much.

The first episode of 'The Big Reunion' airs February 6th on ITV. Check out some rehearsal pics after the jump, and a video from one of their recent performances, inside.

As talented as she is, Alexandra Burke's music has never appealed to me. Only because she decided to go the commercial (easier) route and put out nothing but generic so-so pop records. Judging by recent snippets of her new songs, they sound so much better in comparison. The question is, will all the big radio stations support her this time? I know she was seriously blackballed which may have contributed to her project only selling 6,000 copies in its first week (that, as well as the album being really bad).

In support of her upcoming third studio album, the 25-year-old has just unleashed these new promotional snaps, prior to her new Stateside management deal with Kevin Liles. This is actually the best she has looked in a long while if I'm being totally honest. Nice photos.

In support of their new WE tv show ‘SWV Reunited’, the legendary R&B trio are featured in Kontrol magazine’s Winter 2014 issue. The show documents their comeback after a long hiatus from the spotlight. LeLee looks the prettiest here, but they all look nice to be in their 40s. I'm just not feeling the red wig on Coko or the bangs.

That said, I'm truly ready for a new album from them. 'I Missed Us' was a very solid body of work.
‘SWV Reunited’ airs every Thursday at 10pm on WE tv.

The new promotional single from Toni Braxton and Babyface is really slickbut still serves as one of their better offerings.

The ups and downs of a relationship can be quite the battle for most couples. Trust me, these two would know. The pair continue to deliver some of that hot buttered R&B with 'Roller Coaster', which is lifted off their collaborative set 'Love, Marriage & Divorce', due next month. Check it out!

TMZ are vultures but we already knew that. Apparently, Justin Bieber reposted a photo that TMZ posted earlier which compares him to his idol Michael Jackson. Biebs took to Instagram and reposted the pic of himself waving to fans while perched on top of his chauffeured car following his release from jail. This was posted alongside a 2004 photo of MJ, who also stood on top of a SUV outside court after pleading not guilty to child molestation charges.

Some have accused him of comparing himself to MJ but it appears he was just responding to this scathing article right here. We know he will never be the next King of Pop (if a 'next' is even possible) and I certainly don't think he was implying it either.

Last night, Christina Aguilera joined Delta Air Lines in toasting the 2014 Grammy Weekend with a private reception and performance from four-time Grammy nominee Lorde, in West Hollywood. Aggy is pictured with Delta executive Glen Hauenstein and Delta executive Ed Bastian. She was looking very classy.

Power couple Beyoncé and Jay Z top Billboard’s 2014 ‘Power 100′ list. The pair are both acknowledged for the game-changing ways in how they released their latest projects.

This is an accolade that is well deserved, because not only did they take the biggest of gambles with their careers, they've also inspired. The epic way in which they avoided leaks will definitely change the way established acts release their albums in the future. More power to them.

It's amazing what major weight loss can do to someone's confidence, because Jennifer Hudson would not have been caught dead in a leotard once upon a time ago. The video for her Pharrell-produced new single 'I Can’t Describe (The Way I Feel)' featuring T.I. sees her all scantily clad and bold. She's clearly proud of her weight loss but the skinny look isn't for everyone. Weight goes down but head fails to shrink along with it.

That is actually a telling sign she's not suppose to be as thin as she is, because she doesn't possess the naturally skinny gene. It explains why she looks so disproportionate. If she put on an extra 10lbs, she'd look so much better.

If DJ Mustard is producingRihanna's new album, I think we should be concerned. Because he produced a females anthem for Jennifer Lopez and it's garbage. She co-wrote 'Girls' with Asia Bryant and it encourages the ladies to have fun, because that's what girls do. It’s also a signature DJ Mustard beat and J.Lo sounds so mediocre on it. If anything, it truly exposes how much of a poor singer she really is.

She's sticking to the urban lane (for now) but she's going to have to come much harder than this, like we all know she can. While we wait for her real single 'Same Girl' to drop, here's a little something to tide us over with.

While Disclosure fans seethe at Mary J. Blige for slaughtering their song 'F For You', MJB fans seethe at her for straying away from her R&B roots to jump on a 90s house track. Nobody wins. I'm not impressed that she's dipping into electronic shores. But then, it's just a remix on somebody else's song. No need to jump the gun just yet.

It's when she starts applying it to her own music, that is when we should start to worry. Until then, feel free to flirt on the dance floor with this, and watch the animated visuals inside.

Wednesday, 22 January 2014

Look whose milkshake is STILL bringing all the boys to the yard? Kelis will perform her new music at Brighton festival The Great Escape 2014 on Saturday, May 10th, where Ella Eyre will serve as her support act. In a statement, Kelis says she's looking forward to playing The Great Escape as it's a great line-up. She adds "It will be fun to play out my new album come May". The Great Escape Festival takes place across several venues in Brighton, East Sussex from May 8th to May 10th. I'm sure Kelis will do her thang on that stage when introducing her new album to UK fans. It's been a long time coming.

I thought her last album 'Flesh Tone' was underrated and I'm not even feeling dance music like that. It was all down to her brand of dance being creative and raw and exciting. She has a good ear for setting the standard and not putting out any old generic mush. Hopefully, she gets her shine on this time around.

According to Hits Daily Double, Beyoncé and husband Jay Z will perform their latest smash ‘Drunk In Love’ at the Grammy Awards this Sunday. Yasss! Just as I suspected. Though, it was previously speculated that they would perform ‘Part II (On The Run)’ from Jay Z’s ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’ since that is what is nominated. You never know, they might perform it as part of a medley. However, a televised performance in support of Bey's new album is long overdue.

In related news, Beyoncé's 'Drunk In Love' video has crossed 50 MILLION VIEWS on VEVO.

The lapdog known as Rihanna's BFF assistant Melissa Forde posted this snap on Instagram of the singer in the studio today. Good news I guess, because it means Rihanna will definitely drop a new album sometime in November. Roc Nation signee DJ Mustard recently confirmed to HipHollywood that he's going into the studio with Rihanna and they're "going straight to the club" with the project, which will serve as her eighth studio album. Excited?

It's been ten years since Usher's 'Confessions' album was released in the States, selling ten million copies in that territory alone. Here, Usher is pictured in the studio this week with his 'Confessions' producer Jermaine Dupri and JD's writing camp. Usher needs to cheat on his girlfriend again so he can make some more GOOD music. That might be asking for much but this photo DOES look hopeful.

Meanwhile, Mary J. Blige joins an increasing list of R&B singers doing EDM music. Here’s a 14-second sneak peek look at her remix for Disclosure's new single ‘F For You’. They recently debuted the track live at their sold-out show at New York’s Terminal 5. The full song will premiere on Thursday.

Tuesday, 21 January 2014

Britney Spears poses for another 'Vegas' cover. She looks good. Well, airbrushed good that is. If only photoshop existed in life form so that it could also be applied to her lackluster performances as well.

Don't they look hot?! ‘Single Ladies’ co-stars LeToya Luckett and Charity Shea look fab on the cover of 'Kontrol' magazine’s February issue. Appearing on popular VH1 reality television show series may have sparked a match underneath LeToya's butt. Not only is she getting covers, she recently revealed on the Queen Latifah Show that her third studio album 'Until Then' is scheduled to hit shelves sometime this Spring. I don't think her new album will be out this Spring to be honest but the announcement alone does look positive.

The song's saving grace? Probably the use of the original’s heavy guitar riffs. I don't love Little Mix's take on Cameo's 1986 R&B dance classic 'Word Up'. Despite their version being very harmony focused, I can't enjoy simply for the sole reason that it is
over-produced and they fail to add anything interesting to the song. It serves as this year’s BBC Sports Relief single, where proceeds go towards aid in poor countries. Take a listen inside.

Monday, 20 January 2014

With new album ‘Food’ set to drop in stores on April 28th, Kelis unwraps the first look at the LP's photoshoot. She looks amazing! Sooo pretty. The album title is suppose to arouse hunger for her new music, but that title just doesn't excite me for some reason. The album is still worth the anticipation though simply because 'Jerk Ribs' has got to be one of her strongest tracks in years.

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As a result, Alicia Keys pays homage to the activist, humanitarian and Civil Rights Movement leader by unmasking an unreleased cut called 'Power'.

AK recorded the empowering uptempo back in 2007 and decided to release it on her website The Vault. It's clear to see why the soulful number stayed bolted up for the last seven years. With it's retro soul vibe and 70s feel, the song is painfully dated so I'm not sure where on any of her albums it would fit. However, there are some catchy drums in there that could easily put you in a grooving mood. Check it out.

Back in 2007, this is what Mary J. Blige said: "I'm not going to chase what (mainstream) fans like. It might work for a Mariah. It might work for a Beyoncé. But Mary J. Blige is looked at as some sort of organic thing."

Cut to 2014, and she joins British electronic duo Disclosure for a special performance of 'F for You'. They all performed before a roaring crowd during Disclosure's sold-out set at New York’s Terminal 5. May we see MJB experimenting with harder electronic sounds on her next studio album? I sure hope not.

Over the weekend, Jennifer Lopez hit the studio with her fellow Bronx French Montana. As well as French, she has collaborated with Future, Big Sean, Robin Thicke, Sia, and RedOne for her upcoming tenth studio album. This line-up indicates that
the focus of her new album may see a major return to her urban roots. Two thumbs up!

Following her appearance at the Versace Fashion Show in Paris last night, Lady Gaga visited the Louvre Museum earlier today. A couple of Robert Wilson portraits of the singer are displayed inside the museum. She was rocking that 'Picasso Harlequin' look in Paris, and a hideous wig. The jokes really do write themselves. Gaga isn't mopping anybody across the floor with her career at this point so she may as well put it on her head instead.

The CBS promo officially confirms power couple Beyoncé and Jay Z as performers during the first hour of this Sunday's Grammy Awards. Other acts such as John Legend, Robin Thicke, Lourde, and Katy Perry are also confirmed to perform during that first hour too. I think we can all sigh in relief about Bey getting that first hour slot. Once she's done, I'll be switching off and going to bed.

When you tell Ashanti she's a flop, she will clap back and out you as a closeted homosexual. Though the Twitter user was trolling, he told no lies. Did he not?

She pretty much gave him what he wanted. A response. Albeit a juvenile one, but still a response. Before that little outburst, she was enjoying Miami and posed for some Instagram flicks, ditching her bikini top while showing off her curves. She's got it. A video for her new single 'I Got It' featuring Rick Ross has been shot, and her upcoming album 'Braveheart' is slated to drop on February 18th. More flicks inside.